Grand reopening celebration at Vail Library set for Friday

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The Friends of Vail Public Library are hosting a grand reopening celebration Friday at the library, located at 292 W. Meadow Dr., Vail. After approximately nine months, and various stages of construction, the Vail Library now occupies more than 13,000 total square feet of useable space on both levels of the building. The road through the remodel process was long as well as challenging, but the end result is something the town can be truly proud of. Library services remained in full swing throughout, including a three-month period of time in a temporary mini-library in the multipurpose room at Dobson Ice Arena. The $2.1 million project, with guidance from the building's original architect, Pam Hopkins from Snowdon and Hopkins Architects, resulted in a two-level facility in which staff offices were relocated to the lower level, which is connected to the ground floor by an enclosed stairway and elevator. The renovation also brought new ivory-color book stacks enclosed in custom white-oak end panels, interior lighting upgrades, a new social technology center, a new multi-purpose service desk and a remodeled community room complete with a variety of audiovisual and technology improvements. The lower level, in addition to the staff offices, now boasts a classroom and some much needed storage space. Funding for the renovation came from the Tax Increment Financing bonds issued by the Vail Reinvestment Authority. While the renovation was well documented to address the needs of this aging town facility, the project became an even higher priority after a flash flood in July, 2011, which caused more than $175,000 in damage. The Friends of Vail Public Library also donated $52,000 towards the project, most of which was earmarked for new children's room furnishings and new furnishings and improvements in the community room.Town librarian, Lori A. Barnes, appreciates the patience of our valued patrons during the renovation. "The Vail Public Library was committed to maintaining services, including programming although somewhat reduced at times, in order to meet the needs of patrons while our beautiful library underwent this much needed renovation," said Barnes. Built in 1983, the library serves more than 123,000 patrons annually. Finishing touches, such as new signage both inside and out, are currently still underway. The celebration on Friday will feature appetizers provided by Eric Berg, Vail Catering Concepts; Champagne and wine courtesy of Jonathan Staufer, Grappa Fine Wines & Spirits; music provided by Elisa Bernardo, Music4U Inc.; and giveaways courtesy of the Friends of Vail Public Library.Please kindly RSVP at 970-479-2194 or via email at lbarnes@vailgov.com.